Failure of Anabolic Steroids in the Therapy of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Abstract

Anabolic steroids have been administered to eight patients with severe osteogenesis imperfecta, who were studied clinically and by metabolic balance techniques. The drugs produced no dramatic alleviation of the disease but apparently reduced the incidence of fractures in some patients. Side effects would preclude their use in all but the most severely affected boys. Some patients showed increased retnetion of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, but no osseous changes were observed. A particularly important observation was an increase in fractures and evidence of increased bone catabolism after withdrawal of therapy. Intermittent administration of anabolic steroids is not recommended.